Passive Targeting of the Lungs through Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Particle Size Optimization

Abstract

By embedding drug bearing nanoparticles in a poly(Ethylene Glycol) matrix and emulsifying in silicone oil, therapeutic microparticles can be constructed to passively target the lungs. This type of delivery system utilizes the vascular network of the lungs, enabling particles to be contained within the lungs via venous filtration. Through experimentation we aim to consistently reproduce particles of a target size that can be analyzed for drug content and drug release potential in physiologically relevant models. The main ways we have altered the size of particles is through varying concentrations of ethylene glycol within the particle, varying shear rates, and varying our antisolvents in the reaction chemistry. With this data we can then optimize particles to have the greatest positive impact in fighting lung infection models.